Scissor Kick

footwork: The Scissor Kick can tame wide cracks (known as chimneys) where you can place your entire body inside of the crack.

Requirements

A wide enough crack so you can place your back on one wall and your feet against the other.

Diagram

Description of Technique

For simplicity, the wall that your back is on will be referred to as 'Wall B' and the wall where your feet started on will be referred to as 'Wall F'.

1 - Start with both feet and both hands on Wall F. Your back is pushed against 'Wall B'.

2 - Push the palms of your hands against 'Wall F' increasing friction between your back and B Wall. By increasing friction, you decrease the chance of you sliding down the chimney. Withdraw one foot from F and place it on B. Either foot can be used. Create tension by pressing both feet against the walls.

3 - Withdraw one hand and place the hand on B.

4 - This is the powerful move. Create tension between both hands (on opposite walls). This will separate your back from B wall (by an inch or so). This is critical because the friction created from your back on wall B will prohibit you from moving upwards. Now, extend your foot which is on wall B. Maintain body tension at all time. Your upper body will move upwards.

5. Now that you have gained height, rest your back on wall B. Push your back against this wall with the hand and foot on wall F. Put the hand and foot from Wall B on Wall F (one at a time).

6. Step up your lower leg from it's original position. Your entire body has gained height and you are back at step 1.

Related Pages

• Chimney
• Climbing Terminology
• Footwork